SACRAMENTO, Calif., December 12, 2011 - Friday the California Nurses Union delivered a 10-day notice of their intent to strike four Bay Area hospitals affiliated with Sutter Health on Thursday, December 22 (see list of hospitals below). It is always tough for patients and families to be in the hospital, but it’s especially difficult during the holidays. Unfortunately, the union has chosen to strike during this time.

Sutter Health Nurse Pay and Benefits Remain Industry LeadersSutter Health hospitals know that providing the very best care for our patients starts with taking good care of our nurses. A nurse who chooses to work full-time at a Sutter Health hospital that has a contract with the California Nurses Union earns:

An average of $136,000 per year

An employer-paid pension plan worth $84,000 per year on average in retirement

Up to 40 paid days off per year

And most have an option of a 100 percent employer-paid health benefits package

A part-time nurse earns an average of $105,000 per year and receives virtually the same benefits.

What’s more, nurses across our network are respected, influential members of our health care team — many holding positions on decision-making councils related to delivering the highest levels of quality care.

Despite these generous wages and a rewarding work environment, the union is asking for new and enhanced benefits that will increase the cost of health care. The union demands:

Free health care for life after retirement

To double their current retirement benefit — even though the average Sutter Health full-time nurse earns an annual $84,000 pension for life.

The California Nurses Union is calling its second strike in less than three months. This union has called more than 100 strikes against California hospitals in the last 3 years.

Quality Patient Care Will Continue During the StrikeOur hospitals will take steps to preserve quality patient care in the wake of the union’s strike. Our hospitals are exploring all available options to ensure high-quality care for our patients is not interrupted.